Saudi Arabia | The Ministry of Environment begins implementing the executive regulations for air quality in the Kingdom

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture announced the start of the implementation of the executive regulation for air quality in the Kingdom, based on Article 48 of the Environment Law issued by Royal Decree No. (M / 165) dated 11/19/1441 AH, and Cabinet Resolution No. (729) dated 16/11. / 1441 AH.

The regulation applies to all persons in the Kingdom, and aims to define the scope of work of the National Center for Monitoring Environmental Compliance, with regard to approving the rules, conditions and controls for permits and licenses related to air quality, issuance of permits and licenses, payment of fees, and proposing environmental standards, standards, controls and requirements related to Air quality and its protection from pollution, monitoring and evaluating air quality and its indicators, preparing and implementing national plans projects with the aim of reducing air pollution and limiting its effects, establishing necessary controls, procedures and measures, preparing relevant national studies and reports, and adopting professional training programs and certification bodies specialized in training in the field of taking Measurements and installation of air quality measuring devices and air emissions from sources, implementation of what was stipulated in international and regional agreements, in addition to inspection, violations control and penalties, and coordination with the concerned authorities to enforce the regulation.

The  regulation included a schedule for the classification of penalties and violations, including: installing and operating networks to monitor and control ambient air quality without a license, using an unlicensed service provider, not providing the center with records and data on ambient air quality monitoring and control networks, and publishing air quality data or indicators without approval of the center, bypassing the standards for emissions of fixed sources, failure to adhere to the plans, procedures and measures issued by the center regarding the implementation of emissions reduction plans, failure to design and maintain chimneys in accordance with the controls and requirements, failure to comply with the controls of the installation of continuous monitoring systems for activities, and failure to inform the center immediately after emergencies or shutdowns occurred this resulted in exceeding the emission standards from stationary sources, non-compliance with the standards for burning hazardous materials, in addition to non-compliance with the requirements and controls: storing volatile organic compounds, monitoring and treating fugitive emissions, monitoring VOC emissions, loading and unloading organic compounds and hazardous air pollutants, and limiting Volatile substances (dust and air obstructions), permits, licenses, and any other related requirements air quality is issued by the center.

It is noteworthy that the National Environmental Compliance Center works to monitor the environmental compliance of all establishments that have an impact on the environment in all development sectors, and to supervise programs for monitoring sources of environmental pollution, monitoring environmental media, monitoring air, water and soil quality, in addition to approving environmental impact studies and issuing environmental licenses. For all development projects, environmental inspection of facilities, and coordination with the relevant authorities to improve environmental compliance through pollution monitoring, environmental assessment, monitoring and guidance, in addition to tracking and monitoring pollution levels and sources.

Rifad El-Hachem Debek